Workforce Board offers $1.2M in training grants

PROVIDENCE – The Governor’s Workforce Board is accepting applications for $1.2 million in matching grants to promote worker training in Rhode Island businesses, the board announced late Wednesday.

“We must continue to work to connect members of our workforce with relevant training opportunities,” Gov. Lincoln D. Chafee said in prepared remarks. “Grants such as these are a great way to help Rhode Island businesses invest in their own employees while strengthening our state’s workforce.”

The grant applications are judged on their ability to increase worker productivity, improve operational efficiencies, encourage workplace innovation, and improve talent development and promotion opportunities within a company.

Maximum awards vary based on company size. Small businesses with fewer than 50 employees may apply for up to $10,000, while businesses of 50 to 249 employees can apply for up to $25,000 in matching funds.

Larger businesses – with more than 250 employees – can apply for grants of up to $40,000.

In addition to matching funding, up to $10,000 in bonus funding is available to companies that offer summer work experience or school-year internships to youth who have been referred by the Department of Labor and Training’s YouthWORKS411 centers.

“The Governor’s Workforce Board believes that customized employee training can help make [Rhode Island] companies more competitive and successful. Funding of incumbent worker training grants is one way our board can support local businesses,” said board executive director Richard Brooks.

Only businesses that pay into the Job Development Fund are eligible to apply. Interested companies can download copies of the Request for Proposals at www.gwb.ri.gov.

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